South African Institute of Foundrymen -- Profile

The SAIF -- A profile

The SAIF was established in 1964 from what was formerly the Institute of British Foundrymen (South African Branch), founded in 1939. Over the years, the Institute has taken a great interest in Technology Transfer and Technical Education. The first major achievement was the establishment of a Foundry Research Fellowship at the CSIR. Terms of reference were `to establish availability and suitability of South African Sands for Foundry Practice'.

To fulfil one of the Institute's aims to `disseminate information', the Institute, in conjunction with the SA Institutes of Welding and Production Engineering, established its own publication, the FWP Journal in 1961. The following year, in conjunction with the Journal, the Institute Council arranged a visit of South African Foundrymen to the International Foundry Exhibition (GIFA) in Dusseldorf. Since then, some 200 delegates and some of their spouses, have taken part in six GIFA exhibitions.

In 1965, the first National Apprenticeship Competition was organised by the Institute and this became an annual event with apprentice moulders and patternmakers competing for the generous prizes offered.

The Western Cape Institute of Foundrymen established by the SAIF is particularly active in the field of education in the Cape area.

First Version: 98/01
Date of First Version: 30 November 1998

This Version: 99/01
Date of This Version: 31 January 1999

This site designed and maintained by Foundry I.T.